Bicycle stem lock

ABSTRACT

A bicycle fork stem lock installed either at the time of manufacture of a bicycle or subsequently, the lock including a slide bolt projecting from the fork stem into the upper bearing cup and preferably also into the head frame, the bicycle fork stem and upper head bearing cup being of standard size.

I Umted States Patent 151 3,660,995

Klein, Jr. 51 May 9, 1972 I541 BICYCLE STEM LOCK [56] References Cited[72] Inventor: Frank I". Klein, Jr., 2049 West 63rd, UNITEDSTATESPATENTS 1,146,053 7/19l5 Croston ..70/187 [22] Filed: 0et.28,19682,204,908 6/1940 Olson ..70/233 .241 l 19 ..7 7 H PP 771,080 2303 ll 42Taman 0/18 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Related US. Application Data906,302 2/1953 Germany ..70/183 [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No.618,004, Feb. 23,

1967, abandoned. Primary Examiner-Robert L. Wolfe Attorney-Olson,Trexler, Wollers 8r. Bushnell [52] U.S.Cl. ..70/187 [51] lnLCl ..B60r25/02 1 ABSTRACT [58] FIeldoiSenrch ..70/l87,233-234,

A bicycle fork stern lock installed either at the time of manufacture ofa bicycle or eubsequenliy, the lock including a slide bolt projectingfrom the fork stern into the upper bearing cup and preferably aleo intothe head frame, the bicycle fork stem and upper head bearing cup beingof standard size.

9 Claims, 18 Drawing Figures PATENTEDMAY 91972 2660.995

sum 2 OF 3 @139 0AM, f ziv, Mam

BICYCLE STEM LOCK The present application comprises acontinuation-in-part of my copending application Ser. No. 618,004, filedFeb. 23. 1967, and now abandoned, for Bicycle Stem Lock.

In my prior U. S. Pat. No. 3,136,]49, issued June 9, I964, for "BicycleLock, I have disclosed and claimed a simple and highly effective forkstem lock for a bicycle or the like. The structure in my aforesaidpatent is inexpensive, and can be installed during manufacture of thebicycle, or at a later time. It requires a slight modification of thestandard bicycle fork stem, namely a fork stern that is somewhat higherthan the usual practice. In many respects this is quite desirable, sinceit is something different, and hence something well desired by somepeople. On the other hand, it precludes fitting of the bicycle into astandard bicycle shipping carton, and this is sometimes undesirable.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a newand improved bicycle fork stern lock which is optionally includable, andwhich operates in conjunction with a bicycle fork stem of standardheight.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a bicyclefork stem lock wherein a slide bolt locks the stem to the upper bearingcup, and wherein the upper bearing cup is positively locked againstrotation relative to the head frame.

A further object of this invention is to provide a bicycle fork stemlock in which the locked fork stem cannot be withdrawn downwardly fromthe head frame in case ofthefi.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle forkstem lock wherein slots, holes, etc. in the head frame are covered by anornamental band or European style head lug fittings.

Other and further objects and advantages of the present invention willbe apparent from the following description when taken in connection withthe accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. I shows the upper forward portion of a typical tubular framebicycle incorporating the features of the present inventron;

FIG. 2 is a vertical longitudinal view, partially in section, throughthe structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal further section similar to FIG. 2 on anenlarged scale;

FIG. 4 is a generally horizontal view partially in cross section, takensubstantially on the line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the locking washer andbearing cone nut of FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the fork stern and a portion of thefork;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the locking structure to beassociated with the fork stern of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a substantially horizontal cross sectional view taken alongthe line 8-8 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the upper and lower bearing cups;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a modified upper bearing p;

FIG. 10 is a generally horizontal cross sectional view takensubstantially along the line 10-10 ofFlG. 2;

FIG. 11 is a layout view of the ornamental band or head lug fittingbefore application to the head frame;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the completed head lug fitting on a reducedscale;

FIG. 13 is a layout view similar to FIG. 11 on a reduced scale showing amodified band;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the crank hanger portion of a bicycle,showing the ornamental bands of the present invention applied thereto;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary view partly in section, taken substantiallyalong the line 15-15 in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is an axial sectional view through the crank hanger, as takensubstantially along the line 16-16 in FIG. 14; and

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view showing an ornamental band forthe crank hanger, and a retaining ring therefor.

Referring now in greater particularity to the drawings, and first toFIGS. 1-3, there will be seen a portion of a bicycle frame 20,particularly including a substantially vertical, but slightly backwardlyleaning, upright forward or tubular head portion or head frame 22. Thefork stem 24 is of generally conventional construction, differing onlyslightly therefrom as will be pointed out hereinafter, is secured to thefork sides 26 in the usual manner, and isjoumaled within the tubularhead portion as hereinafter will be set forth. A handle bar 28 issecured slightly above and forwardly of the top end of the fork stem bymeans of a bracket 30, and this may be of any conventional type, or itmay be the bracket shown in my prior US. Pat. No. 3,l36,l49, heretoforementioned. A bearing cone 32 is provided at the bottom of the fork stemand at the top of the fork, in accordance with the usual practice. Thebearing cone 32 is seen also in FIG. 6. Within and extending from thebottom of the tubular head frame 22 is a bearing cup 34 of generallyconventional construction, and in accordance with the usual practice,the bearing balls 36 are disposed between this cup and the cone 32, andmay be positioned by a bearing retainer. The upper, tubular portion 38of the bearing cup (see also FIG. 9) forms a press fit in the bottom endof the tubular head frame 22. In addition, diametrically opposed pins 40are received in complementary apertures 42 in the head frame and in thecylindrical portion 38 of the cup. As will be apparent, the fork stem 24forms a fairly close fit within the cylindrical portion 38, this fitbeing closer than the metal thickness of the head frame 22.Consequently, the pins 40 cannot be driven into the interior of the headframe to release the cup for downward withdrawal until after the forkstem has been withdrawn.

Similarly, at the upper end of the tubular head frame, there is anupwardly facing bearing cup 44 having a tubular portion 46 forming apress fit within the upper end of the head frame. The bearing cup is ofconventional overall height, and differs somewhat from the conventionalas will be pointed out shortly hereinafter. A plurality of ball bearings48 is received in the cup, and may be provided with a bearing retainerin accordance with conventional practice. A bearing cone or nut 50 isinternally threaded, and is threaded onto a rolled external threadsection 52 (see also FIG. 6) near the upper end of the fork stem 24. Thecone 50 is provided at its upper portion with a radially extendingflange 54, and in accordance with the invention as disclosed and claimedin my copending application Ser. No. 380,383, filed July 6, 1964, forBearing Construction for Bicycles and The Like (allowed Oct. I0, 1966),and particularly FIGS. 9, 10, and l I thereof, the flange 54 is providedwith a polygonal exterior $6. Axially directed apertures 58 pass throughthe flange 54 to facilitate oiling of the bearing balls 48. A washer 60of complementary shape, and having a limited number of access holes 62therein capable of alignment with the apertures 58, immediately overliesthe flange 54 of the bearing cone 50. A depending polygonal flange 64encircles the polygonal periphery 56 of the bearing cone to lock thecone to the washer against rotation. A radially inwardly extendingtongue 66 on the washer 60 is received in a vertical slot 68 through thethreads 52 on the fork stem, whereby to lock the washer rotationally tothe fork stern. Thus, when the washer has been lowered in place inencircling relationship with the bearing cone 50, the bearing conecannot rotationally loosen on the threads 52 to lead to a sloppy bearingfit. A nut 70 is turned down on top of the washer to hold it against thetop of the bearing cone 50. This is all explained in considerable detailin my aforesaid copending application Ser. No. 380,383. It will be notedthat the particular nut and washer construction is of low over-allheight which reduces the standard length of the fork stem proper.

As has been observed previously, the upper bearing cup 44 is of standardheight and generally conventional construction. However, as will be seenin FIG. 2, and particularly in FIG. 9, the depending flange 46 isprovided with one or more notches 72 for receipt of a locking bolthereinafter to be disclosed. The notches 72 open edgewise downwardly ofthe cylindrical portion 46. In order to lock the bearing cup 44rotationally to the head frame, the bearing cup is provided withdiametrically spaced radially outwardly struck ears 74. and these earsare received in complementary edgewise upwardly opening recess meanscomprising notches 76 at the top of the head frame. This rotationallocking is in addition to the usual press fit. Alternatively, notchescan be provided in the cup which interfit with inwardly struck ears atthe top of the head frame. Thus, in FIG. 9A the bearing cup 44 is shownwith slots 74a for receipt of ears on the head frame. As a furtheralternative or supplement, the cup 44 in FIG. 9A is shown with recessmeans comprising depressions or dimples 74b for receipt of complementaryinward protuberances on the head frame.

The fork stem 24 is open at the top as indicated at 78, and if thebicycle is shipped with no lock, a plug, such as of plastic, is insertedin the open top. The lock mechanism as hereinafter set forth may beincorporated during manufacture instead of this plug, or the plug maysubsequently be removed and the lock mechanism installed. The lockmechanism is readily seen in FIGS. 2, 3, 7, and 8, and includes acylinder, tube, or sleeve 80. The sleeve 80 need not be particularlystrong, and can be formed of thin gauge metal or of plastic. A lockcylinder 82 of conventional construction is tightly received in theupper end of the sleeve 80, and preferably has associated therewith awasher-like structure or flange 84 for overlying the top end of thesleeve 80 and also the parting line between the sleeve 80 and the forkstem 24. The lock cylinder 82 is of any suitable known construction, andis turnable by means of a key 85.

At the opposite end of the sleeve there is received, as by a force fit,a locking bolt plug 86. This may be of any suitable material, and lcontemplate that plastic material might be preferred as a cost savingfeature. The plug 86 is cylindrical, and has an axial bore 88 opening atthe top for receipt of a lock shaft 90 depending from and turning withthe cylinder 82. A lock bolt or pin 92 is diametrically reciprocable ina complementary bore 94 in the lock plug, and is biased by a spring 96toward outward or looking position. An eccentric pin 98 on the bottom ofthe lock shaft 90 is received in a notch on the side of the locking bolt92 for reciprocating the lock bolt upon turning of the cylinder 82 anddepending lock shaft 90. A similar mechanism is shown and described ingreat detail in my previously mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 3,136, [49.

The sleeve 80 is provided with a lateral aperture 100 through which thelocking bolt 92 may project. Similarly, the fork stem 24 is providedwith a lateral aperture 104 through which the locking bolt may project.To insure proper alignment of the locking bolt with the aperture 104, adiametral cross pin 106 is provided at the proper elevation in the forkstem 24. The bottom edge of the sleeve 80 is provided with diametricallyopposed notches 107 for receipt of the pin, and the bottom end of thelock plug 86 is provided with a complementary semi-cylindrical diametralgroove 108 for receipt of the pin. Alternatively to the pin, the forkstem 24 could have inwardly struck ears to be received in notches in agroove in the sleeve 80 and plug 86.

The locking bolt 92 is capable of alignment with one of the notches 72in the upper bearing cup 44. Upon proper turning of the fork stem andextension of the locking bolt by turning of the key 86, the locking boltwill enter one of the notches 72, thus preventing the bicycle from beingsteered, and hence from being ridden. Preferably, for greatest lockingstrength, apertures 110 are provided in the head frame 22 in alignmentwith the notches 72. Thus, the bolt 92 preferably can extend into thehead frame as well as into the upper bearing cup, providing a strongerand more positive lock.

For illustrative purposes, the notches 72 and apertures 110 have beenshown as being at right angles to the fore and aft direction of thebicycle. This means that the handle bar and front wheel must be turned90 from either direction of straight ahead for locking. However, this isnot essential, as other angles could be used, or the wheel could belocked in a straight ahead position.

1 provide an upper ornamental band or collar 112 which encircles thenotches 76 which receive the ears 74, and which also covers theapertures 110. This prevents thieves and the like from attemptingmanually to depress the latch bolt, and also provides a more pleasingappearance while avoiding the opportunity for corrosion, mischief, etc.A generally similar lower band or collar 1 I4 is provided at the bottomof the head frame 22 which is generally similar to the band 112.However, one significant difference is that the band 112 preferably isprovided at its upper edge with inwardly directed ears 113 which extendthrough their notches 76 and overlie the ears 74. The bands or collarsmay be of plastic or metal. and can be of different shapes or designs,such as is common in European headlug fittings. However, it should benoted that they are not tubular fittings for joining the variousportions of the bicycle frame together. Generally speaking, the bands orcollars are tapered or thinner in an axial direction at the backportions than at the front, and also are flared at the back portions tofit over the fillets where the head frame is joined to the rearwardlyextending frame members of the bicycle. This interfitting, coupled withthe holding down of the bands or collars by the respective bearing cupscenters and holds the bands or collars in position. In addition, pins 40are passed through the bands or collars, and through the tubular headframe and bearing cups, to prevent unauthorized disassembly of theparts. One satisfactory ornamental band "2 is shown in layout fashion inFIG. 11, notches or concavities 116 being provided for cooperating withthe tubular frame member when the flat or layout blank of FIG. 12 isrolled into a ring or band and butt-welded or otherwise secured. Thecompleted band is seen in reduced scale in FIG. 12 (with the exceptionthat the inwardly directed ears 1 13 are omitted from FIGS. 12 and 13),and the material is flared out at 115 for fitting over the fillets 117(FIG. 2) where the head frame is welded to the rearwardly extendingframe members. The upper bearing cup holds the ring or collar 112 downso that the flare 115 and notch 116 tightly engage the fillet 117,whereby the collar or band cannot rotate on the head frame.

in FIG. 13 there is shown, on a reduced scale, a lower band or collar114 of plain design, and, with the notches 116 on the upper corners, aflare again is formed, and the flare and notches prevent rotation, thering being held up by the lower bearing cup. While reference has beenmade in connection with both the upper and lower bands of notches andflares in combination, it will be understood that either a notch or aflare alone of proper size and configuration would be capable ofpreventing rotation. Also, other ornamental designs can be used, and thelower band need not be plain.

Although not specifically shown herein, since it is a known feature forexample, in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 3, l 36,l49 the locking cylinder 82,in addition to fitting by a press fit, may be pinned in place in theupper end of the fork stem. Such pin would, of course, be covered by thehandle bar bracket 30. Since the interior of the fork stem 24 m ofuniform diameter, the lock unit, including the sleeve 80, the plug 86,and the cylinder 82 may be entirely omitted during manufacture of thebicycle, and easily slipped into place at a later date. In this new lockdesign the locking bolt will extend into the fork stem proper 24 whenthe bicycle is in the unlocked position and is compressed therein whenthe fork unit is removed for service.

It will be appreciated that should someone steal a bicycle locked withthe present lock, and attempt to disassemble the structure by removingthe handle bar bracket and the retaining nut 70 along with the upperbearing cone, he would be doomed to failure. The projecting locking boltwould prevent the fork stem from being pulled through the lower bearingcup, and the lower bearing cup cannot be removed under thecircumstances, since the pins 40 cannot be driven inwardly until afterthe fork stern has been completely removed.

It will be seen that the objects of the invention have been attained.The lock is optionally includable during manufacture of the bicycle, ormay be inserted at a later date. The fork stem is of generallyconventional construction, and is of' conventional height, whereby abicycle incorporating the present invention can be shipped in a shippingcarton of standard size. Furthermore, the upper bearing cup is ofstandard size, and has modifications that readily can be made in a sheetmetal working machine. Furthermore, the superior upper bearing conelocking and oiling structure of my US. Pat. No. 3,306,684, which issuedFeb. 28, 1967, is included.

In the event that the entire locking unit should need to be removed forservicing, upon removal of the upper structure from the fork stem,particularly including the nut 70 and bearing cone 50, a small punch canbe angled up through the slot 68 and rapped with a hammer to raise thesleeve 80. To facilitate this end, the sleeve preferably is formed withsmall grooves 118 (FIG. 7, conveniently rolled or stamped in place.

In one practical embodiment of the invention, the fork stern tubing hasa 0.965 inch outside diameter, and a 0.750 inch inside diameter. Athread rolling die is readily passed over the end of the fork stemtubing to the point necessary for rolling the threads 52 thereon, thethreads in this specific example having an axial length of seven-eighthsinch. It is then unnecessary to perform any other machine work on theend of the fork stem tubing, thus materially reducing the cost of thestructure. Upon rolling of the threads, the crests thereof come to aone-inch outside diameter. Thus, the bearing cone 50 and nut 70, alongwith the head washer 60, can be slipped over the end of the tubing anddown to the threaded portion thereof without difficulty.

When there is to be an authorized removal of the fork stem andassociated parts from the head frame, the handle bar bracket 30, the nut70, the washer 60, and the bearing cone 50 are removed. The upperbearing cup 44 is also removed, and the locking bolt is pressed backinto unlocked position (hearing in mind that it is spring pressedoutwardly) and held in place with a tool comprising a small length oftubing with a one-inch inside diameter, and a l 1/ l6 inch outsidediameter slipped over the fork stem to hold the locking bolt inretracted or depressed position. This tube sleeve tool is then removedwith the lock and fork stern for service.

Ornamental bands in accordance with the present invention are applicablealso to the crank hanger of a bicycle, as well as to the tubular headframe. Such use of ornamental bands is shown in FIGS. 14-17, to whichreference should now be had. A cylindrical crank hanger 118 is shown inFIGS. 14-16, and has secured thereto the usual frame members, includingthe member 120 extending forwardly and upwardly to the tubular headframe, the upright member 122 extending up to the vicinity of thesaddle, and the two spaced rearwardly extending members 124 suspendingthe rear wheel. A crank assembly is generally associated with the crankhanger, but the details thereof are not of particular importance to thepresent invention, and therefore associated parts are shown in brokenlines, including the usual sprocket 126, chain 128, and crank 129 onwhich the pedals are mounted.

Mirror image ornamental bands 130 are provided at opposite ends of thecrank hanger, fitting closely thereon, and having a planar outer end 132and an ornamental inner edge which may be scalloped or otherwiseconfigured as indicated at 134. In addition, each band on the edgeopposite the planar end 132 is provided with an arcuate notch 136engageable with the fillet 138 at the juncture between the rearwardlyextending frame members 124 and the crank hanger 118. The surface of theband may also be slightly tapered in this area to accommodate to thefillet. As will be apparent, engagement of the notch 136 with the fillet138 limits the inward movement of each band as it is installed, andfurther precludes rotation of the bands on the crank hanger. (There aresimilar fillets at the bases of the frame members 120 and 122, but theseare not important to the present invention.)

In the case of the tubular head frame, the bearing cup is of sufficientexternal diameter so as diametrically to overlie the ornamental band.However, it is common practice in a crank hanger to use bearing cups 140received in the ends of the crank hanger and having maximum diameters at142 which are no greater than, and may be slightly less than theexterior diameter of the cylindrical crank hanger itself. Thus, thecircumferential flange 144 at the outer end of each crank hanger cannotbe relied on to hold the ornamental bands in position. Accordingly,rather than provide special bearing cups at increased cost, I provide awasher 146 of relatively large diameter and of narrow radial extentwhich fits over each bearing cup and is trapped against the respectiveend of the crank hanger 118 by the outwardly directed flange 144 of thebearing cup. The external diameter of the washer is sufficient topreclude unauthorized endwise withdrawal of each omamental band, and theexternal diameter is shown as being slightly greater than the outsidediameter of the adjacent band in each instance. As will be understood,the bearing cups form a rather tight fit in the crank hanger, and arenot likely to come out accidentally. Furthermore, a crank assemblyinserted therein positively holds the bearing cups in place.

Although the ornamental bands have separate utility for use on the crankhanger, it will be apparent that, insofar as the bands are used on thehead frame, they are inextricable from the lock mechanism. Thus, thepins 40 secure both the ornamental band and the bearing cup to the topof the tubular head frame. Part of the latch strike is in the bearingcup, and part in the tubular head frame, and both parts are covered bythe ornamental band to prevent tampering. Furthermore, the inwardlydirected flanges or ears on the ornamental band interfit with thenotches at the top of the tubular head frame, and the ears on thebearing cup also interfit with these notches, whereby proper orientationof the bearing cup relative to the head frame is insured, and yet thenotches are thoroughly protected.

It is to be emphasized that the bands in the present invention areornamental in nature, and are functional in cooperation with the lockmechanism, but are distinguished from the lugs common on Europeanbicycles which are used for brazing the various frame parts together.The bands in the present invention are removable, and are not a part ofthe frame construction.

The specific example of the invention as herein shown and described isfor illustrative purposes only. Various changes in structure will nodoubt occur to those skilled in the art, and will be understood asforming a part of the present invention insofar as they fall within thespirit and scope of the appended claims.

The invention is claimed as follows:

1. A steering lock mechanism for a tubular frame vehicle having asubstantially upright tubular head portion, comprising a substantiallyvertical fork and tubular fork stern, means rotatably mounting saidtubular fork stem in said tubular head portion, the means rotatablymounting said tubular fork stem in said tubular head portion includingan upper bearing cup received in said tubular head portion, said forkstem extending a substantial distance above said tubular head portionand receiving a handlebar bracket, means positively locking said upperbearing cup to said tubular head portion against relative rotation, saidtubular fork stem comprising a tubular member having a portion ofuniform internal diameter extending from the upper end thereof at leastto a location within said tubular head portion, latch means fittingwithin said tubular fork stem portion of uniform interior diameter andincluding lock means received at the upper end thereof, latch membermounting means axially spaced from said lock means and received in saiduniform internal diameter fork stem portion and mounting, a latch memberreciprocable therein radially of said tubular fork stem and alsodisposed within said tubular head portion, said tubular fork stem havinga lateral aperture through which said latch member reciprocates, andmeans interconnecting said lock means and said latch member in axiallyspaced relation for reciprocating said latch member upon operation ofsaid lock means, and means on said upper bearing cup providing a strikeengageable by said latch member upon outward reciprocation thereofpositively to lock said tubular fork stem to said upper bearing cup.

2. A steering lock mechanism as set forth in claim 1 wherein the upperbearing cup has an upstanding bearing receiving portion of predeterminedheight and a depending sleeve portion of substantially similar height,said strike comprising at least one aperture in said depending sleeveportion.

3. A steering lock mechanism for a tubular frame vehicle having asubstantially upright tubular head portion, comprising a substantiallyvertical fork and tubular fork stem, means rotatably mounting saidtubular fork stem in said tubular head portion, the means rotatablymounting said tubular fork stem in said tubular head portion includingan upper bearing cup received in said tubular head portion, meanspositively locking said upper bearing cup to said tubular head portionagainst relative rotation, said tubular fork stem comprising a tubularmember having a portion of uniform internal diameter extending from theupper end thereof at least to a location within said tubular headportion, latch means fitting within said tubular fork stem portion ofuniform interior diameter and including lock means received at the upperend thereof, a latch member reciprocable radially of said tubular forkstern and also disposed within said tubular head portion, said tubularfork stem having a lateral aperture through which said latch memberreciprocates, and means interconnecting said lock means and said latchmember for reciprocating said latch member upon operation of said lockmeans, means on said upper bearing cup providing a strike engageable bysaid latch member upon outward reciprocation thereof positively to locksaid tubular fork stem to said upper bearing cup, said tubular headportion having an aperture therein receiving said reciprocable latchmember, and an ornamental band encircling said tubular head portion andcovering the aperture in said tubular head portion and also covering themeans locking the upper bearing cup rotationally to the tubular headportion.

4. A steering lock mechanism as set forth in claim 1, wherein the meansrotatably mounting the tubular fork stem and the tubular head portionincludes a lower bearing cup, said lower bearing cup being pinned tosaid tubular head portion by pins which are too long to be driventhrough said lower bearing cup from said tubular head portion when thetubular fork stem is in place therein, the reciprocable latch memberwhen in radially outwardly reciprocated position preventing downwardwithdrawal of said tubular fork stem through said lower bearing cup.

5. A steering lock mechanism for a tubular frame vehicle having asubstantially upright tubular head portion, comprising a substantiallyvertical fork and tubular fork stem, means rotatably mounting saidtubular fork stern in said tubular head portion, the means rotatablymounting said tubular fork stem in said tubular head portion includingan upper bearing cup received in said tubular head portion, meanspositively locking said upper bearing cup to said tubular head portionagainst relative rotation, said tubular fork stem comprising a tubularmember having a portion of uniform internal diameter extending from theupper end thereof at least to a location within said tubular headportion, latch means fitting within said tubular fork stern portion ofuniform interior diameter and including lock means received at the upperend thereof, a latch member reciprocable radially of said tubular forkstern and also disposed within said tubular head portion, said tubularfork stem having a lateral aperture through which said latch memberreciprocates, means interconnecting said lock means and said latchmember for reciprocating said latch member upon operation of said lockmeans, and means on said upper bearing cup providing a strike engageableby said latch member upon outward reciprocation thereof positively tolock said tubular fork stem to said upper bearing cup, said latch meansincluding means housing said reciprocable latch member, said housingmeans having downwardly opening recess means therein, and transverseprojection means in said tubular fork stem received in said recess meansto position said housing means and hence said reciprocable latch memberin said tubular fork stem.

6. A steering lock mechanism as set forth in claim I, and

further including a sleeve receiving said lock means, said latch membermounting means, said reciprocable latch member, and the interconnectingmeans, said sleeve fitting snugly within the upper end of said tubularfork stem.

7. A steering lock mechanism for a tubular frame vehicle having asubstantially upright tubular head portion, comprising a substantiallyvertical fork and tubular fork stern, means rotatably mounting saidtubular fork stern in said tubular head portion, said tubular fork stemcomprising a tubular member having a portion of substantially uniforminternal diameter from the upper end thereof down at least to a positionwithin said tubular head portion, and a lock assembly unit received insaid uniform internal diameter portion of said tubular fork stem andcomprising a sleeve snugly fitting therein, lock means at the top ofsaid sleeve and externally accessible, a latch member at the bottom ofsaid sleeve and reciprocable laterally therefrom into locking position,and means extending through said sleeve between said lock means and saidlatch member for reciprocating said latch member upon operation of saidlock means, said tubular head portion having strike means thereinengageable by said reciprocable latch member upon outward reciprocationthereof, the means rotatably mounting the tubular fork stem in thetubular head portion including an upper bearing cup, the strike meansbeing associated with said upper bearing cup, positive means actingbetween said upper bearing cup and said tubular head portion to precluderotation of said upper bearing cup in said tubular head portion, atleast one aperture extending radially through said tubular head portionfor receipt of said latch member when in extended position, and anornamental band encircling the upper end of said tubular head portionand covering said aperture and also covering the means locking the upperbearing cup to the tubular head portion.

8. A steering lock mechanism as set forth in claim 2 wherein the meanson the upper bearing cup forming a strike comprises at least onedownwardly edge-opening notch in said bearing cup depending sleeve.

9. A steering lock mechanism as set forth in claim 3, and furtherincluding a common pin extending into said tubular head portion, saidupper bearing cup, and said ornamental band to lock the same together.

i t I =0 l

1. A steering lock mechanism for a tubular frame vehicle having asubstantially upright tubular head portion, comprising a substantiallyvertical fork and tubular fork stem, means rotatably mounting saidtubular fork stem in said tubular head portion, the means rotatablymounting said tubular fork stem in said tubular head portion includingan upper bearing cup received in said tubular head portion, said forkstem extending a substantial distance above said tubular head portionand receiving a handlebar bracket, means positively locking said upperbearing cup to said tubular head portion against relative rotation, saidtubular fork stem comprising a tubular member having a portion ofuniform internal diameter extending from the upper end thereof at leastto a location within said tubular head portion, latch means fittingwithin said tubular fork stem portion of uniform interior diameter andincluding lock means received at the upper end thereof, latch membermounting means axially spaced from said lock means and received in saiduniform internal diameter fork stem portion and mounting, a latch memberreciprocable therein radially of said tubular fork stem and alsodisposed within said tubular head portion, said tubular fork stem havinga lateral aperture through which said latch member reciprocates, andmeans interconnecting said lock means and said latch member in axiallyspaced relation for reciprocating said latch member upon operation ofsaid lock means, and means on said upper bearing cup providing a strikeengageable by said latch member upon outward reciprocation thereofpositively to lock said tubular fork stem to said upper bearing cup. 2.A steering lock mechanism as set forth in claim 1 wherein the upperbearing cup has an upstanding bearing receiving portion of predeterminedheight and a depending sleeve portion of substantially similar height,said strike comprising at least one aperture in said depending sleeveportion.
 3. A steering lock mechanism for a tubular frame vehicle havinga substantially upright tubular head portion, comprising a substantiallyvertical fork and tubular fork stem, means rotatably mounting saidtubular fork stem in said tubular head portion, the means rotatablymounting said tubular fork stem in said tubular head portion includingan upper bearing cup received in said tubular head portion, meanspositively locking said upper bearing cup to said tubular head portionagainst relative rotation, said tubular fork stem comprising a tubularmember having a portion of uniform internal diameter extending from theupper end thereof at least to a location within said tubular headportion, latch means fitting within said tubular fork stem portion ofuniform interior diameter and including lock means received at the upperend thereof, a latch member reciprocable radially of said tubular forkstem and also disposed within said tubular head portion, said tubularfork stem having a lateral aperture through which said latch memberreciprocates, and means inTerconnecting said lock means and said latchmember for reciprocating said latch member upon operation of said lockmeans, means on said upper bearing cup providing a strike engageable bysaid latch member upon outward reciprocation thereof positively to locksaid tubular fork stem to said upper bearing cup, said tubular headportion having an aperture therein receiving said reciprocable latchmember, and an ornamental band encircling said tubular head portion andcovering the aperture in said tubular head portion and also covering themeans locking the upper bearing cup rotationally to the tubular headportion.
 4. A steering lock mechanism as set forth in claim 1, whereinthe means rotatably mounting the tubular fork stem and the tubular headportion includes a lower bearing cup, said lower bearing cup beingpinned to said tubular head portion by pins which are too long to bedriven through said lower bearing cup from said tubular head portionwhen the tubular fork stem is in place therein, the reciprocable latchmember when in radially outwardly reciprocated position preventingdownward withdrawal of said tubular fork stem through said lower bearingcup.
 5. A steering lock mechanism for a tubular frame vehicle having asubstantially upright tubular head portion, comprising a substantiallyvertical fork and tubular fork stem, means rotatably mounting saidtubular fork stem in said tubular head portion, the means rotatablymounting said tubular fork stem in said tubular head portion includingan upper bearing cup received in said tubular head portion, meanspositively locking said upper bearing cup to said tubular head portionagainst relative rotation, said tubular fork stem comprising a tubularmember having a portion of uniform internal diameter extending from theupper end thereof at least to a location within said tubular headportion, latch means fitting within said tubular fork stem portion ofuniform interior diameter and including lock means received at the upperend thereof, a latch member reciprocable radially of said tubular forkstem and also disposed within said tubular head portion, said tubularfork stem having a lateral aperture through which said latch memberreciprocates, means interconnecting said lock means and said latchmember for reciprocating said latch member upon operation of said lockmeans, and means on said upper bearing cup providing a strike engageableby said latch member upon outward reciprocation thereof positively tolock said tubular fork stem to said upper bearing cup, said latch meansincluding means housing said reciprocable latch member, said housingmeans having downwardly opening recess means therein, and transverseprojection means in said tubular fork stem received in said recess meansto position said housing means and hence said reciprocable latch memberin said tubular fork stem.
 6. A steering lock mechanism as set forth inclaim 1, and further including a sleeve receiving said lock means, saidlatch member mounting means, said reciprocable latch member, and theinterconnecting means, said sleeve fitting snugly within the upper endof said tubular fork stem.
 7. A steering lock mechanism for a tubularframe vehicle having a substantially upright tubular head portion,comprising a substantially vertical fork and tubular fork stem, meansrotatably mounting said tubular fork stem in said tubular head portion,said tubular fork stem comprising a tubular member having a portion ofsubstantially uniform internal diameter from the upper end thereof downat least to a position within said tubular head portion, and a lockassembly unit received in said uniform internal diameter portion of saidtubular fork stem and comprising a sleeve snugly fitting therein, lockmeans at the top of said sleeve and externally accessible, a latchmember at the bottom of said sleeve and reciprocable laterally therefrominto locking position, and means extending through said sleeve betweensaid lock means and said latch member for reciprocating Said latchmember upon operation of said lock means, said tubular head portionhaving strike means therein engageable by said reciprocable latch memberupon outward reciprocation thereof, the means rotatably mounting thetubular fork stem in the tubular head portion including an upper bearingcup, the strike means being associated with said upper bearing cup,positive means acting between said upper bearing cup and said tubularhead portion to preclude rotation of said upper bearing cup in saidtubular head portion, at least one aperture extending radially throughsaid tubular head portion for receipt of said latch member when inextended position, and an ornamental band encircling the upper end ofsaid tubular head portion and covering said aperture and also coveringthe means locking the upper bearing cup to the tubular head portion. 8.A steering lock mechanism as set forth in claim 2 wherein the means onthe upper bearing cup forming a strike comprises at least one downwardlyedge-opening notch in said bearing cup depending sleeve.
 9. A steeringlock mechanism as set forth in claim 3, and further including a commonpin extending into said tubular head portion, said upper bearing cup,and said ornamental band to lock the same together.